Friday, July 6, 2012

The Continuing No Shame Poetry Series Presents "Book Review"

Book Review

I see that John Grisham has a new book,Calico Joe, about a baseball player whoDisappears suddenly one day.I would like to read itSince I like John GrishamAnd I like baseball.The title, however, made me thinkThat the book was about a horse or a dogSince "Calico Joe" does not sound like a nameFor a baseball player. "Shoeless Joe" and"The Bambino" and "The Splendid Splinter,"sound like names for ball players and indeed they areBut "Calico Joe?" Why not "Gingham Fred"Or "Cotton/Polyester Blend Barney?"I think you see my point.

I remember reading books about animalsWhen I was a lad.I especially liked Black Beauty which isAbout a horseAnd one called Beautiful JoeAbout an exceptionally ugly dogBeloved by children.Even as a child, I understood thePost-ironic nature of the dog's nameThat he was a beautiful soulIn spite of his physical appearance.

I think that was an important early lesson to meAnd I try not to judge on appearancesAlthough it's hard not to do so

And so, I cannot tell you about the bookCalico Joe because I have not read itAnd although I don't like the titleBecause it is about baseball and by John GrishamI just bet thatIt is a good book.

About Me

I taught high school English for 32 years, all at Robinson High School in Fairfax, VA. My students called me "Mr. V," and I was fortunate to have some terrific young people in my classes. I have made contact with some of them, particularly on Facebook, and enjoy seeing what they're up to.

My other nickname, given to me by our then assistant pastor Jim Vaught, is Lieutenant Dan, after the Gary Sinise character in Forrest Gump, one of my favorite movies. I never got anywhere near military service, so the name is somewhat ironic. I greatly admire our troops and respect their sacrifices.